Ask Eli: Where You Could Be Watching Fireworks This Year

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Rosslyn resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: Where are the best private views of 4th of July fireworks in Arlington?

Answer: Pointing out July 4th firework views during showings is a habit of mine that out-of-towners always find amusing until they’ve lived here for a year or two and realize how obsessive we get about our neighborhood/building views come 9 p.m. July 4th.

As a long-term Rosslyn resident without a private view, I’ve always enjoyed them with the crowds by the Iwo Jima Memorial, but this year with a 7-month old at home, I’ll be watching (possibly re-runs) on TV.

If only I could be home with my son AND watch the fireworks from the comfort of my balcony or rooftop (hint: see below)!

I would love if readers shared in the comments section some of their favorite public places to take in the show! Especially neighborhood spots that don’t require fighting traffic and arriving hours early.

For the true National Mall July 4th firework lover, I put together a list of homes currently for sale with the closest, most direct views of fireworks (you’ll have to compromise for simply great views the other 364 days of the year).

The Best Private Firework Views

The best available private views go to The Weslie and Prospect House, perched above the Iwo Jima Memorial and Netherlands Carillion, all with balconies large enough for a party that offer you a front-row seat to see and hear the fireworks.

With one unit on the market at the Weslie (picture to the right) and eight at Prospect House ranging from $599,000 to $1,325,000, there’s something for every firework lover… as long as you can stomach the high condo fees.

Crystal City also jumps into the mix with a few buildings along Crystal Dr. with large balconies, many facing the National Mall.

However, you’ll be a bit further away which may favor those who like to see, not hear, the fireworks.

The two units currently on market are modestly priced at $535,000 and $779,00, each with two bedrooms.

It wouldn’t be right to finish this section without acknowledging the best-in-class private views available at the magnificent Monument Place townhouses across the street from the Iwo Jima Memorial.

These large, luxury townhouses each have massive rooftops with views into DC that will never be obstructed.

Outside of the being President or owning a select few Georgetown/Foggy Bottom residences, I’m not sure you’ll find anything that rivals this amount of private space with front-row views of the National Mall. Personally, I think this is some of the most undervalued property in the DC area.

Unfortunately, there is nothing actively for sale right now, but 1400 Meade St. N. is presumably still for sale although technically withdrawn from the market as of May 2018.

The owner combined two homes into one massive 6,000+ sq. ft. masterpiece. Four-car garage? Check! Staff quarters? Check! Home theater? Check! Spa? Check! Although measurements are available, I believe the total rooftop space is around 1,500-2,000 sq. ft..

With a $900,000 price reduction, you’ll pay $3,595,000 for the right to host the most sought-after Fourth of July party in D.C.! I’m anxiously awaiting my 2019 invitation…

The Best Semi-Private Firework Views

If you don’t have your own balcony or rooftop to watch the fireworks from in Arlington, you can share the experience with a few neighbors from two of the best rooftops in Arlington for firework viewing at The Odyssey and Waterview condos in Rosslyn/Courthouse.

These two high-end condo buildings offer some of my favorite rooftop views and currently have six units for sale ranging from $460,000 to $1,200,000.

You’ll have plenty of viewing locations inside and outside at The Odyssey, but you will have to arrive early for a good spot at the Waterview.

I hope everybody has a relaxing and safe July 4th holiday! If any of the homes linked above are of interest to you or you’d like information about other on or off market properties, feel free to email me at [email protected] for a quick response!

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.